Aitutaki

The first stamps used on Aitutaki were the issues of the Cook Islands from 1892. Although part of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki had a separate stamp issuing policy between 1903 and 1932. The first stamps were issued in 1903 – these being New Zealand stamps overprinted ‘Aitutaki’ and a new face value in the native language. In 1920 and 1927, two sets were issued inscribed ‘Aitutaki’. These sets are of the same design as concurrent issues for the Cook Islands as a whole, Penrhyn – also one of the Cook Islands with a separate postal administration – and Niue – a nearby atoll administered separately by New Zealand. Between 1932 and 1972 ,the stamps of the Cook Islands were used on Aitutaki. Aitutaki resumed a separate stamp issuing policy in 1972. The issues were aimed at the thematic collectors market. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, particularly, significant numbers of stamps were issued – since the late 1990’s, stamp production has been limited. The stamps of the Cook Islands remain valid on Aitutaki, while the issues of Aitutaki are valid only on the island itself.has been limited. [source: StampWorldHistory]